I don’t know about you, but I love a good winter hike. There’s just something about the crisp air, the stillness, and the moody atmosphere that speaks to my soul. (And the lack of crowds is a big plus.) If being outside in the cold both invigorates and calms you, as it does for me, consider summiting the Natural State’s highest peak this season. The Signal Hill Trail at Mount Magazine State Park is one of the best winter hikes in Arkansas for the snowy scenery, panoramic views, and utter peace and quiet.
At 2,753 feet, Magazine Mountain is the highest point in Arkansas, and you can reach it on the 1.8-mile Signal Hill Trail. If that sounds like a steep climb, don’t worry. It’s not like the trail starts at sea level; in reality, you’ll only ascend roughly 250 feet. The hike is rated as moderate on AllTrails, but many people say it’s actually easy and takes less than an hour to complete. It’s well-marked and easy to follow (even when the ground is covered with snow), leading through dense forest to the summit.
Parking is at the lodge, just a short walk from the trailhead. From there, you’ll follow the path through the trees, whose barren branches are blanketed in snow for a postcard-worthy scene. The snowfall is often patchy, but sometimes, the park transforms into a downright winter wonderland. I can’t promise that it’ll look like a Norman Rockwell painting when you visit, but since this is the highest point in the state, it’s your best chance for a snowy hike.
Either way, there’s something so magical about hiking in the winter. Don’t get me wrong, I love vibrant wildflowers, lush greenery, and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. But winter invites deep introspection with its silence and monochromatic color palette, turning a simple walk in the woods into a powerful opportunity for self-reflection, snow or no snow.
The interesting thing about Signal Hill Trail (that throws a lot of people off) is that the sweeping panoramic vistas aren’t at the summit like you might expect. They’re actually from Mount Magazine Lodge, which is situated on a bluff overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake. Since parking for the trail is at the lodge, you’ll have easy access to the view. And if it does happen to be snowing when you visit, this rustic mountain retreat, complete with its A-frames and wooden accents, looks especially cozy and inviting. If you want to spend the night, the lodge offers 60 modern guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a host of resort-style amenities. There are also cabins at Mount Magazine State Park if you’re looking for a more private stay.
Have you ever climbed to the highest point in Arkansas in the winter? What are your favorite winter hikes in Arkansas?
Feeling inspired? Create your own Arkansas winter bucket list with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner…